Nelson Chenault-US PRESSWIRE
Every mock draft assumes a lot of things but this one is assuming a lot of things given the fact that underclassmen haven’t declared. I’m going off what I’ve read and/or heard about the prospects staying or going and then making assumptions on my own. Hence, why you don’t see some of my favorites (Anthony Barr, Louis Nix, Khalil Mack, DeAndre Hopkins, Brad Roby, Christian Jones) or some of my not-so-favorites (Tyler Bray, William Gholston) in this version of the 2013 NFL Mock Draft.
1. Kansas City Chiefs – GENO SMITH, QB, West Virginia
The Chiefs were in the driver’s seat to the No. 1 pick before Brady Quinn decided to live up to all the hype out of Notre Dame this Sunday. They still man the top spot, leaving them to take Quinn/Cassel’s replacement.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars – BJOERN WERNER, DE, Florida State
The Jags jumped on the opportunity to pick up Eagles cast off Jason Babin. I can’t imagine a scenario that has Babin playing in Jacksonville in 2013. The interior DL is looking like a bigger need at this point with Terrance Knighton being an utter disappointment. That said, the Jags need a dynamic pass rusher to bolster this defense. Werner is the best of the pass rushers with his ability to play the run and get after the QB. The sky is limit for Werner.
3. Oakland Raiders – TYLER WILSON, QB, Arkansas
Those inside the organization have come to the reality that Terrelle Pryor isn’t the long term answer at the QB position. Carson Palmer is on his last legs and the trade is officially a gigantic bust, surprise…surprise. The Raiders have a bunch of needs, mostly on the defensive side of the ball, but have to consider a QB at No. 3. Wilson was a disappointment this season but I fully expect him to be drafted in the top 10. The Raiders could use Wilson’s toughness and leadership in the locker room as well.
4. Philadelphia Eagles – LUKE JOECKEL, OT, Texas A&M
Nick Foles is showing a little promise and should be given the remainder of this lost season to prove himself. The Eagles would be wise to bring in a veteran QB to mentor Foles next season and find a coach that can utilize two backs (McCoy and Brown). They need help up front and that’s factoring in Jason Peters being back. Demetress Bell, King Dunlap, and Dennis Kelly would provide solid depth to Peters and Joeckel but not starting caliber OT’s on a winning team. Jockel is a full fledged stud LT that is my top prospect in the draft.
5. Carolina Panthers – SHELDON RICHARDON, DT, Missouri
Sheldon Richardson has announced he’s entering the 2013 NFL Draft. That should come as no surprise as Richardson was disciplined for not going to classes. He won’t have to worry about that anymore. Richardson is the most disruptive force of a very talented DT class. A pure three-technique that can be an immediate impact player in the Panthers defense.
6. San Diego Chargers – JAKE MATTHEWS, OT, Texas A&M
Matthews is a plug and play tackle that immediately upgrades the porous SD offensive line. Phillip Rivers has been bad and appears to be incapable of pushing the ball vertically but he needs some help in protection. Matthews is capable of playing the left side at the next level despite only manning the right side in college.
7. Cleveland Browns – DEE MILLINER, CB, Alabama
The Browns struck gold with Joe Haden at No. 7 in 2010. They look to capitalize on that success by finding Haden a solid running mate. While Sheldon Brown has been more than serviceable at times this season, he can’t keep up with the speed of the game. This selection could give the Browns the best young starting CB duo in the league.
8. Detroit Lions – MANTI TE’O, LB, Notre Dame
Stephen Tulloch signed a big deal with the Lions in the offseason. But the Lions could be forced to lose DeAndre Levy and Justin Durant as they will be cash strapped this offseason. Te’o versatility give the Lions options at the linebacker position and gives them a remarkable leader on the defense.
9. Arizona Cardinals – TAYLOR LEWAN, OT, Michigan
Kolb, Skelton, or Lindley. Take your pick. All are bad options but I can’t see the Cards reaching at this point for a QB. They have searched for a LT for years and come up empty handed. Lewan will have a make or break game against Jadeveon Clowney. If Lewan shows well, he’ll lock himself in as a top 10 pick.
10. Tennessee Titans – STAR LOTULELEI, DT, Utah
The Tennessee secondary is atrocious but they won’t be able to pass on a guy like Lotulelei if he makes it to No. 10. As bad as the Titans are against the pass, they are worse in run defense. Lotulelei gives the Titans a legitimate force against the run and he can push the pocket enough to make a difference as an interior pass rusher.
11. Buffalo Bills – DION JORDAN, DE, Oregon
As evidenced by my latest top 100 board, I’m a fan of the Oregon pass rusher. Jordan is versatile enough to play standing up or with his hand in the dirt. He runs well and is surprisingly good in coverage. The Bills would love for Tyler Wilson to fall into their laps but that’s looking less likely. Jordan is a nice consolation prize, especially if they cut Mark Anderson.
12. Miami Dolphins – DAMONTRE MOORE, DE, Texas A&M
Miami needs a DE to play opposite Cam Wake. Moore is a solid option with a nice motor. He’s not the dynamic athlete of a Barkevious Mingo but he finds his way to the QB with a regularity. This pick is an easy one if Moore is on the board when the Dolphins select.
13. New Orleans Saints – SHARRIF FLOYD, DT, Florida
There’s no doubts that the Saints are in need of defensive front four help. They really need a DE that can turn the edge but I don’t see Mingo as a great fit for what they need. So they look to add a 3T and find a good one if Sharrif Floyd. Floyd brings the versatility to play inside in a four man front and outside in a three man.
14. St. Louis Rams (f/WAS) – JARVIS JONES, OLB, Georgia
Could anyone blame the Rams for taking a shot on Jarvis Jones with two picks in the first round? Jones is one of the top talents in the draft but there are no more doubts that he will fall due to health concerns. Spinal stenosis is a serious condition and has some talking about Jones falling ala Da’Quan Bowers. I like Jones as much as the next guy but it’s hard for me to believe that he won’t fall in this draft.
15. New York Jets – BARKEVIOUS MINGO, OLB, LSU
Mark Sanchez, Tim Tebow, Greg McElroy….anyone. Yeah, I’ll pass on that roster of QB’s. That said, I can’t see the Jets taking a shot on Barkley or Bray, Murray, or Thomas if they declare. They are likely to seek out a veteran and look to the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th round for a developmental type. I love Anthony Barr here but everything I’m hearing has him staying in school. I’ll go with the other best option. Mingo gives the Jets a high ceiling pass rusher that has scheme diversity.
16. St. Louis Rams – CHANCE WARMACK, OG, Alabama
With all three top tackles off the board, the Rams look inside to help cure some of their OL woes. I have been a proponent of the Rams taking Warmack instead of a tackle anyhow, as I see it as a bigger need. Some have disagreed and I can’t blame them but Warmack is a superior talent to any OT that could be available here including Lewan.
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